Living Well on a Budget in Thailand

[CharlieH]

 

 

Thailand has long been a favourite destination for expats, retirees, and digital nomads looking for an affordable lifestyle. With such an affordable cost of living, it’s no wonder so many choose to make Thailand their home.

The good news? Living here doesn’t just allow you to save money, it also provides access to excellent healthcare, fresh food, budget-friendly fitness options, and a relaxing lifestyle. Here’s how you can live well on a budget in Thailand.

Affordable Healthcare Options in Thailand

Thailand’s healthcare system is one of the most attractive aspects of living here, especially when compared to the high costs of medical care in Western countries. Whether you’re looking for basic care or more specialised treatment, Thailand offers a variety of affordable options.

For many expats and locals, public hospitals are the most budget-friendly option. These government-run facilities provide excellent medical care, often at a fraction of the cost of Western hospitals. While the service might be more basic and the wait times a little longer, these hospitals offer all the services that you may need, without breaking the bank.

On the contrary, private clinics are common throughout Thailand and are a great choice for quick consultations and minor treatments. These clinics offer shorter wait times and a more personalised experience, at a slightly higher, but still affordable rate. Many of these clinics are also connected to reputable hospitals. 

 

Health Insurance

 

For expats living long-term in Thailand, health insurance is a must. Providers like Cigna offer health plans specifically designed for expats. These plans include coverage for hospital stays, emergency treatments, and visits to private doctors. 

Having the right health insurance ensures you can get fast treatment when needed while safeguarding you from unexpected medical costs.

Eating Healthy on a Budget

 

 

Eating well in Thailand is not only easy but also affordable. With a variety of fresh local ingredients and delicious traditional dishes, maintaining a nutritious diet doesn’t require a large budget.

One of the best places to find fresh, affordable food is Thailand’s local markets. These markets offer a wide selection of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs at lower prices than supermarkets. Shopping at these markets supports local farmers and ensures that you’re getting fresh, healthy ingredients for your meals.

Street food is another affordable and healthy option. Thailand’s street vendors offer filling and nutritious meals packed with vegetables and lean proteins. For the best prices, head to local street vendors outside of tourist areas. Many vendors can also customise meals based on your preferences, giving you more control over what you eat.

Cooking at home is an excellent way to maintain a healthy diet on a budget. By preparing your meals, you have full control over what goes into your food and can keep it as healthy as you like. Remember to buy and cook in bulk to save money down the line.

Budget-Friendly Fitness Options in Thailand

Staying active in Thailand doesn’t require expensive gym memberships or boutique fitness classes. The country offers many free or low-cost ways to stay fit and enjoy the outdoors.

Thailand is full of public parks and beautiful beaches where you can exercise for free. Plenty of public parks, especially ones in Bangkok, have running tracks, outdoor exercise equipment, and ample space for stretching or yoga.

If you prefer a gym, you can find these facilities with daily rates as low as 100 baht in less tourist-centric areas. These gyms provide all the basic equipment needed for regular workouts at a fraction of the cost compared to high-end fitness centres.

Walking and cycling are also great ways to explore Thailand’s cities and countryside while staying active. Major cities often offer affordable bike rentals. Thailand’s countryside, beaches, and national parks also provide plenty of hiking and cycling opportunities.

Accessing Mental Health Support with Cigna

In Thailand, mental health services are accessible and relatively affordable. Public healthcare offers free or low-cost therapy, though you may need a referral from a general practitioner. 

Cigna Global Health Insurance includes mental health support as part of its comprehensive plans. Coverage includes inpatient and outpatient therapy, psychiatric consultations, and medication, ensuring that expats have access to the care they need without worrying about high costs. With Cigna, you can get fast access to mental health services in both Thailand and abroad.

Cigna's mental health coverage includes:

• Private facilities: Shorter wait times and personalised care at private hospitals.

• Comprehensive treatment: Coverage for therapy, medication, and other mental health services.

• Global support: Access to mental health services in Thailand and abroad.

 

Living in Thailand on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing your health or lifestyle. With affordable healthcare options, fresh local food, and a variety of fitness activities, Thailand makes it easy to stay healthy without spending a lot of money. 

With affordable health insurance options like those offered by Cigna, rest assured that your physical and mental health needs will be covered. 

 

 

Sponsored - Original article by The Thaiger

[bkk6060]

It can be budget friendly, but I could not disagree more about the items listed.

[vukovar77]

All written above is not budget friendly!

[FlorC]

On 4/18/2025 at 2:04 PM, CharlieH said:

Thailand’s healthcare system is one of the most attractive aspects of living here, especially when compared to the high costs of medical care in Western countries.

Really ?

Most western countries have state health insurance , which makes it very cheap.

[Harrisfan]

On 4/18/2025 at 5:04 PM, CharlieH said:

you prefer a gym, you can find these facilities with daily rates as low as 100 baht in less tourist-centric

50 baht gyms in some places.

[Presnock]

14 minutes ago, FlorC said:

Really ?

Most western countries have state health insurance , which makes it very cheap.

I have a US govt sponsored health insurance and it sure isn't cheap - but since it covers me an my family no matter where we are and that I can still afford it, I am happy with it.  They provide the hospital with a complete coverage letter prior to any necessary treatment.  In an emergency they still do that without me having to pay anything to the hospital except later, maybe a co-payment very cheap.  Thailand can be very livable depending on one's lifestyle and where one wants to settle down at.

[FlorC]

13 minutes ago, Presnock said:

I have a US govt sponsored health insurance and it sure isn't cheap - but since it covers me an my family no matter where we are and that I can still afford it, I am happy with it.  They provide the hospital with a complete coverage letter prior to any necessary treatment.  In an emergency they still do that without me having to pay anything to the hospital except later, maybe a co-payment very cheap.  Thailand can be very livable depending on one's lifestyle and where one wants to settle down at.

That's why I wrote MOST western countries.

 

A lot cheaper in MOST european countries ,  because of mandatory social security (taxes) which includes health care.

I'd rather go to my home country for an operation or MRI , ... than here in Thailand , where there are long waits

personel that don't speak english (or well enough) in affordable government hospitals.

Yes of course in the expensive private hospitals they may be , but at what cost even with the expensive health insurance 

promoted here, if they pay out.

 

[gmmarvin]

Government Hospitals 3 to 7 hour wait

[Showtime]

33 minutes ago, Presnock said:

I have a US govt sponsored health insurance and it sure isn't cheap - but since it covers me an my family no matter where we are and that I can still afford it, I am happy with it.  They provide the hospital with a complete coverage letter prior to any necessary treatment.  In an emergency they still do that without me having to pay anything to the hospital except later, maybe a co-payment very cheap.  Thailand can be very livable depending on one's lifestyle and where one wants to settle down at.

 

What insurance do you have and how do you get it

[peter48]

Hospital waits in Tory Britain could be as long as 12 hours often all night at A&E or more but now with more doctors, nurses, specialists, scans things are moving along quicker with the new Labour government. Things got so bad in Tory Britain cancer survival for women got to be 20 yrs behind, Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Remember Johnson had highest Covid deaths in Europe and UK life expectancy by 2023 was dropping quicker than almost all Europe. UK Tory decline was significant with Brexit trade crumbling, foreign companies not  coming to a country outside Single Market , long border hold ups of lorries etc. Tories and Farage did self harm.

 

However must say general practice is good in South East ...any Red Flags and you get seen quickly, blood tests, scans done very quick as longer hours now be given by the new government

[KhunLA]

1 hour ago, Presnock said:

I have a US govt sponsored health insurance and it sure isn't cheap - but since it covers me an my family no matter where we are and that I can still afford it, I am happy with it.  They provide the hospital with a complete coverage letter prior to any necessary treatment.  In an emergency they still do that without me having to pay anything to the hospital except later, maybe a co-payment very cheap.  Thailand can be very livable depending on one's lifestyle and where one wants to settle down at.

Emphasis on 'most countries' and certain not the USA, with the silliest of healthcare cost.

 

Healthcare ins here, TH, isn't exactly cheap either, especially when older, if even available.  Along with some farang pricing of some procedures.   If you have pre-existing issues, even the USA healthcare will cover those, as most universal healthcare in countries that offer it.

 

If I had health issues, not sure TH would be the place to retire.  Especially in BKK, as good luck getting to the ER at rush hour

[Wrwest]

On 4/18/2025 at 2:13 PM, bkk6060 said:

It can be budget friendly, but I could not disagree more about the items listed.

I'm thinking mostly aimed as a ad. Still, at 78 (apologize, American), a large part of my reason being retired here concerns having an earned working middle class life on my sustainable $2400 a month ($1604 of that from SS). Do keep in mind as an American ... my Medicare? With deductible. co-pays, monthly Part B premium? Still gym/pool membership for the two of us at 8000 baht is doable. Even my heart attack in Chiang Mai in 2015 worked out as doable (about half US insurance covered).

[Presnock]

2 hours ago, Showtime said:

 

What insurance do you have and how do you get it

Have to enroll within 5 years of retirement from a civil service job.  It is BlueCross/Blue Shield and covers everything basically while I am here.  Some small stuff may have a very small co-payment but I filed 20 claims for my daughter dating up to 2 years ago, they paid all without any questions.  Fortunately most of the hospitals here do bills in Thai and English so don't even have to concern myself about translation.  The insurance continues to go up in price regularly and recently really jumped but as I am 78 and in 2 years, my daughter will no longer be eligible for my coverage so will drop from family to me plus one which will cut the price basically in half of what it is now.  

[jas007]

16 minutes ago, Presnock said:

Have to enroll within 5 years of retirement from a civil service job.  It is BlueCross/Blue Shield and covers everything basically while I am here.  Some small stuff may have a very small co-payment but I filed 20 claims for my daughter dating up to 2 years ago, they paid all without any questions.  Fortunately most of the hospitals here do bills in Thai and English so don't even have to concern myself about translation.  The insurance continues to go up in price regularly and recently really jumped but as I am 78 and in 2 years, my daughter will no longer be eligible for my coverage so will drop from family to me plus one which will cut the price basically in half of what it is now.  

It's probably the best insurance anyone here has available to them at any price.  

 

I've got the same coverage. Blue Cross/Blue Shield standard benefit plan. Code 104.  Anyway, the insurance pretty much covers you anywhere in the world, and inpatient treatment is covered at 100% at preferred provider hospitals, with NO LIMIT. And there are no age restrictions.  I could be 100 years old and still have the same coverage.  And if you find yourself in an area with no preferred providers, you're still covered, but you may have to file a claim and wait for reimbursement.  Even that can sometimes be fixed.  

 

I don't have a family, so my plan doesn't cost much. $424 a month this year?  Something like that.  I never see the money because they take it from my monthly pension along with taxes before I even see it. I also kept Medicare Part B, so I guess I pay that every month as well.  Again, I never see the money so I never much think about it. 

[Presnock]

10 minutes ago, jas007 said:

It's probably the best insurance anyone here has available to them at any price.  

 

I've got the same coverage. Blue Cross/Blue Shield standard benefit plan. Code 104.  Anyway, the insurance pretty much covers you anywhere in the world, and inpatient treatment is covered at 100% at preferred provider hospitals, with NO LIMIT. And there are no age restrictions.  I could be 100 years old and still have the same coverage.  And if you find yourself in an area with no preferred providers, you're still covered, but you may have to file a claim and wait for reimbursement.  Even that can sometimes be fixed.  

 

I don't have a family, so my plan doesn't cost much. $424 a month this year?  Something like that.  I never see the money because they take it from my monthly pension along with taxes before I even see it. I also kept Medicare Part B, so I guess I pay that every month as well.  Again, I never see the money so I never much think about it. 

You are correct but the coverage overseas is still 100% even if you get the treatment at a non-preferred hospital.  Here of course there are so many preferred providers and they gladly let you know which are which.  In addition, I wanted to switch to an LTR visa and needed a letter stating the 50K hospital coverage as BCBS is "unlimited hospitalization" but the BOI folks or their supervisors approving the visa didn't understand that so I mentioned it and someone else also having BC/BS said oh advise the insurance and they will send you an email letter stating exactly 50K or more for hospitalization.  The very next day I had the letter, zapped it to the BOI and approved immediately.  I like BC BS and had it earlier in my govt career and switched for some reason totally forgotten but when retirement was coming i switched back to them and have been happy with how they treat their customers.  Anyway take care have a great day!

[jcmj]

I’ve seen many Americans try to use their insurance here only to be told they had to pay first then get reimbursed. Many private hospitals stopped taking it for payments immediately because it was too difficult and too long to get paid from the American insurance companies. I’ve had Thai insurance for years and they have changed companies many times, but they have always paid almost all of the bill. Some things they just don’t cover, especially anything mental health related. I’m afraid to see how much it will be this year when I go up an age bracket and just had a long stint in the hospital that cost them well over a million baht. My friend stopped his when he hit 70 and it went up to 550,000 baht. Decided to self pay. If you do decide to self pay make sure you buy a hospital discount card. It will save you a lot, if available, make sure to ask. 

[JulesMad]

Everybody is living on a budget; be it 20K or 100K or more. It is still a budget.
Living WELL is another question... That depends 100% on your mind, not only on your money. Most americans only believe in money (as do Thais), and think they need more and more and more......

[still kicking]

14 hours ago, FlorC said:

Really ?

Most western countries have state health insurance , which makes it very cheap.

In my case, free

[geisha]

16 hours ago, FlorC said:

Really ?

Most western countries have state health insurance , which makes it very cheap.

I would love to spend my retirement all year round in Thailand.  As it is ,  I am spending less time each year. Due to worrying about * what if ?*

I have arthritis, and take meds for high tension,Statins , as preventive medicine. I am 72 , do aqua gym, swim, walk an hour a day , eat healthy food, very little alcohol and don’t smoke. I’m fit. 
But I worry that if I became really ill, hospital bills would be very high. 
I was planning a Thai senior home , as my uncle is going down this route. 

As it is, in my hometown in France I have fantastic health care , I can afford even private on top if I wanted. 
It’s all very well saying that there are good health insurers for expats, but do they  assure pre existing illnesses, and at what cost ? I believe this is the main subject why many pensioners , and younger, give up the idea of moving away from their home.,

[Equatorial]

13 hours ago, Presnock said:

my daughter will no longer be eligible for my coverage so will drop from family to me plus one which will cut the price basically in half of what it is now. 

 

Unfortunately, BC/BS "plus one" is almost as expensive as "family." The rate really goes down for "self only." Look into it so that you're not surprised when you make the change. 

[Presnock]

1 hour ago, Equatorial said:

 

Unfortunately, BC/BS "plus one" is almost as expensive as "family." The rate really goes down for "self only." Look into it so that you're not surprised when you make the change. 

Yeah, today i got an informational email about health insurers and govt workers which included the zooming costs of BC/BS since 2016.  Then I looked at the what I thought would be great savings of one plus one - just under a 100 USD a month so not even close to what I thougt it would be.  Lots of comments from customers and many are in fact dropping BC/BS for cheaper plans but the overseas full coverage keeps me there.  What I hate most is that the increases are caused by the poor diets of people meaning that the pharmas and doctors are kept busy taking care of people that don't take enough care of themselves.  So I guess the best thing for me and my family is to eat better diets, some exercise, etc...BTW I have changed my diet and have been eating well for years, plus since HS I have exercised regularly nowadays 1.5 to 2+ hours a day and don't take any medicines.  I haven't even had a headache for over 25 years so not even aspirin/tylenol.  No drugs nor alcohol.  But, I still have to pay for the health care as I have read too many stories of how illness and/or accidents bankrupted too many people.  I do wish you the best of course and hope life is great for you too.

[FlorC]

9 hours ago, still kicking said:

In my case, free

Canadian ?

[FlorC]

19 hours ago, jcmj said:

buy a hospital discount card

Please elaborate .

Hospitals here in Thailand ? Private or government ?

 

[Equatorial]

6 hours ago, Presnock said:

Lots of comments from customers and many are in fact dropping BC/BS for cheaper plans but the overseas full coverage keeps me there. 

 

Yeah, having world-wide coverage is totally awesome! Btw, I am in the same boat as you. Apart from here, I spend a portion of my time in the U.S. and also in Europe, and it's good to know that I am covered. Even though the premium eats up a substantial portion of my pension, it is well worth it to me! 

[Presnock]

On 4/23/2025 at 4:06 AM, Presnock said:

Yeah, today i got an informational email about health insurers and govt workers which included the zooming costs of BC/BS since 2016.  Then I looked at the what I thought would be great savings of one plus one - just under a 100 USD a month so not even close to what I thougt it would be.  Lots of comments from customers and many are in fact dropping BC/BS for cheaper plans but the overseas full coverage keeps me there.  What I hate most is that the increases are caused by the poor diets of people meaning that the pharmas and doctors are kept busy taking care of people that don't take enough care of themselves.  So I guess the best thing for me and my family is to eat better diets, some exercise, etc...BTW I have changed my diet and have been eating well for years, plus since HS I have exercised regularly nowadays 1.5 to 2+ hours a day and don't take any medicines.  I haven't even had a headache for over 25 years so not even aspirin/tylenol.  No drugs nor alcohol.  But, I still have to pay for the health care as I have read too many stories of how illness and/or accidents bankrupted too many people.  I do wish you the best of course and hope life is great for you too.

Today after the above, I received another message concerning US govt retiree benefits and health insurance.  The message indicates that the US Congress is currently working on ways to find ways to lower government spenditures so that they can fund that tax cut for the billionaires.  Now they have indicated one place they might find some funding is in the benefits for US government retirees and their Health Insurance!  I guess nothing is sacred of course for the Congress folks except they must keep their billionaire donors to the re-election campaign chest full.  I don't know the full story of course, only that they are looking at that as a possible source of funds to cut.  One might contact their congressman/woman to see what else is there.  

[Presnock]

On 4/22/2025 at 12:33 PM, Presnock said:

Have to enroll within 5 years of retirement from a civil service job.  It is BlueCross/Blue Shield and covers everything basically while I am here.  Some small stuff may have a very small co-payment but I filed 20 claims for my daughter dating up to 2 years ago, they paid all without any questions.  Fortunately most of the hospitals here do bills in Thai and English so don't even have to concern myself about translation.  The insurance continues to go up in price regularly and recently really jumped but as I am 78 and in 2 years, my daughter will no longer be eligible for my coverage so will drop from family to me plus one which will cut the price basically in half of what it is now.  

 

On 4/22/2025 at 11:00 AM, Wrwest said:

I'm thinking mostly aimed as a ad. Still, at 78 (apologize, American), a large part of my reason being retired here concerns having an earned working middle class life on my sustainable $2400 a month ($1604 of that from SS). Do keep in mind as an American ... my Medicare? With deductible. co-pays, monthly Part B premium? Still gym/pool membership for the two of us at 8000 baht is doable. Even my heart attack in Chiang Mai in 2015 worked out as doable (about half US insurance covered).

I got another message today, Congress is looking for cuts for the current budget bill and are looking at government retiree benefits and health insurance cuts so they can fund those tax cuts for the billionaires - just passing along as you might have heard about it or not.  

[jcmj]

On 4/23/2025 at 9:33 AM, FlorC said:

Please elaborate .

Hospitals here in Thailand ? Private or government ?

 

I have one at Bangkok Pattaya Hospital which works for anyone under their group. It’s called the Chivawattana card. I get the platinum card whichasts 2 years and give you 1 large check up and 1 small one plus 15% discount on meds and various services. Also cuts off 40% from your room charge if you have to stay in. It’s on special for 12,900 I believe, so only 6,500 a year.  They do have a gold one which lasts a year and a bit less on the discounts for around 6,000 and then they have a Premium one that is about 40 some thousand baht and good for 3 years and bigger discounts. 50% on rooms and other services for doctors fees cheaper. Prime is perfect for me, because I don’t have OPD and I get meds quite often that I can’t get in the pharmacy. Definitely worth a check. 

[FlorC]

^ Thanks jcmj

[jcmj]

You can find it searching on google. 

[HerewardtheWake]

Is the BC/BS insurance mentioned in this string available only for retired employees of US civil service?